Designing polymeric microparticles for biomedical and industrial applications

Photo-induced synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles and chemiluminescent degradable materials via flow chemistry

We report the photo-induced, additive-free, continuous synthesis of polymeric particles using flow chemistry. Not only can these particles be formed under ambient conditions in a solely light-induced precipitation polymerisation, they can be prepared via continuous flow techniques to up-scale the synthetic process. We carefully assess the flow chemical parameters and analyse the resulting particles quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle formation is a direct result of the step-growth polymerisation via a photochemically induced AA + BB Diels-Alder reaction, which we herein base on the dialdehyde monomer (AA) derived from the sustainable precursor, thymol. By employing a peroxyoxalate bismaleimide (BB), we introduce particles that can be selectively degraded on-demand, self-reported by light emission through chemiluminescence.

Fabrication of polymeric microspheres for biomedical applications

Polymeric microspheres (PMs) have attracted great attention in the field of biomedicine in the last several decades due to their small particle size, special functionalities shown on the surface and high surface-to-volume ratio. However, how to fabricate PMs which can meet the clinical needs and transform laboratory achievements to industrial scale-up still remains a challenge. Therefore, advanced fabrication technologies are pursued. In this review, we summarize the technologies used to fabricate PMs, including emulsion-based methods, microfluidics, spray drying, coacervation, supercritical fluid and superhydrophobic surface-mediated method and their advantages and disadvantages. We also review the different structures, properties and functions of the PMs and their applications in the fields of drug delivery, cell encapsulation and expansion, scaffolds in tissue engineering, transcatheter arterial embolization and artificial cells. Moreover, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives for advancing fabrication technologies and biomedical applications of PMs.

Template-Free Manufacturing of Defined Structure and Size Polymeric Microparticles

Complex-structured polymeric microparticles hold significant promise as an advance in next-generation medicine mostly due to demand from developing targeted drug delivery. However, the conventional methods for producing these microparticles of defined size, shape, and sophisticated composition often face challenges in scalability, reliance on specialized components such as micro-patterned templates, or limited control over particle size distribution and cargo (functional payload) release kinetics. In this study, we introduce a novel and reliably scalable approach for manufacturing microparticles of defined structures and sizes with variable parameters. The concept behind this method involves the deposition of a specific number of polymer layers on a substrate with low surface energy. Each layer can serve as either the carrier for cargo or a programmable shell-former with predefined permeability. Subsequently, this layered structure is precisely cut into desired-size blanks (particle precursors) using a laser. The manufacturing process is completed by applying heat to the substrate, which results in sealing the edges of the blanks. The combination of the high surface tension of the molten polymer and the low surface energy of the substrate enables the formation of discrete particles, each possessing semi-spherical or other designed geometries determined by their internal composition. Such anisotropic microparticles are envisaged to have versatile applications.

Microparticles and nanoparticles-based approaches to improve oral treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped, flagellated bacterium that colonizes the stomach of half the world's population. Helicobacter pylori infection causes pathologies of varying severity. Standard oral therapy fails in 15-20% since the barriers of the oral route decrease the bioavailability of antibiotics and the intrinsic factors of bacteria increase the rates of resistance. Nanoparticles and microparticles are promising strategies for drug delivery into the gastric mucosa and targeting H. pylori. The variety of building blocks creates systems with distinct colloidal, surface, and biological properties. These features improve drug-pathogen interactions, eliminate drug depletion and overuse, and enable the association of multiple actives combating H. pylori on several fronts. Nanoparticles and microparticles are successfully used to overcome the barriers of the oral route, physicochemical inconveniences, and lack of selectivity of current therapy. They have proven efficient in employing promising anti-H. pylori compounds whose limitation is oral route instability, such as some antibiotics and natural products. However, the current challenge is the applicability of these strategies in clinical practice. For this reason, strategies employing a rational design are necessary, including in the development of nano- and microsystems for the oral route.

Application of Starch, Cellulose, and Their Derivatives in the Development of Microparticle Drug-Delivery Systems

Micro- and nanotechnologies have been intensively studied in recent years as novel platforms for targeting and controlling the delivery of various pharmaceutical substances. Microparticulate drug delivery systems for oral, parenteral, or topical administration are multiple unit formulations, considered as powerful therapeutic tools for the treatment of various diseases, providing sustained drug release, enhanced drug stability, and precise dosing and directing the active substance to specific sites in the organism. The properties of these pharmaceutical formulations are highly dependent on the characteristics of the polymers used as drug carriers for their preparation. Starch and cellulose are among the most preferred biomaterials for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and lack of toxicity. These polysaccharides and their derivatives, like dextrins (maltodextrin, cyclodextrins), ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose, etc., have been widely used in pharmaceutical technology as excipients for the preparation of solid, semi-solid, and liquid dosage forms. Due to their accessibility and relatively easy particle-forming properties, starch and cellulose are promising materials for designing drug-loaded microparticles for various therapeutic applications. This study aims to summarize some of the basic characteristics of starch and cellulose derivatives related to their potential utilization as microparticulate drug carriers in the pharmaceutical field.

Contemporary Aspects of Designing Marine Polysaccharide Microparticles as Drug Carriers for Biomedical Application

The main goal of modern pharmaceutical technology is to create new drug formulations that are safer and more effective. These formulations should allow targeted drug delivery, improved drug stability and bioavailability, fewer side effects, and reduced drug toxicity. One successful approach for achieving these objectives is using polymer microcarriers for drug delivery. They are effective for treating various diseases through different administration routes. When creating pharmaceutical systems, choosing the right drug carrier is crucial. Biomaterials have become increasingly popular over the past few decades due to their lack of toxicity, renewable sources, and affordability. Marine polysaccharides, in particular, have been widely used as substitutes for synthetic polymers in drug carrier applications. Their inherent properties, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, make marine polysaccharide-based microcarriers a prospective platform for developing drug delivery systems. This review paper explores the principles of microparticle design using marine polysaccharides as drug carriers. By reviewing the current literature, the paper highlights the challenges of formulating polymer microparticles, and proposes various technological solutions. It also outlines future perspectives for developing marine polysaccharides as drug microcarriers.

Evolution of Vaccines Formulation to Tackle the Challenge of Anti-Microbial Resistant Pathogens

The increasing diffusion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across more and more bacterial species emphasizes the urgency of identifying innovative treatment strategies to counter its diffusion. Pathogen infection prevention is among the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of both disease and AMR. Since their discovery, vaccines have been the strongest prophylactic weapon against infectious diseases, with a multitude of different antigen types and formulative strategies developed over more than a century to protect populations from different pathogens. In this review, we review the main characteristics of vaccine formulations in use and under development against AMR pathogens, focusing on the importance of administering multiple antigens where possible, and the challenges associated with their development and production. The most relevant antigen classes and adjuvant systems are described, highlighting their mechanisms of action and presenting examples of their use in clinical trials against AMR. We also present an overview of the analytical and formulative strategies for multivalent vaccines, in which we discuss the complexities associated with mixing multiple components in a single formulation. This review emphasizes the importance of combining existing knowledge with advanced technologies within a Quality by Design development framework to efficiently develop vaccines against AMR pathogens.

Ultrasonic Transformation of Antibiotic Molecules into a Selective Chemotherapeutic Nanodrug

Ultrasound-based engineering of carrier-free nanodrugs by supramolecular self-assembly has recently emerged as an innovative and environmentally friendly synthetic approach. By applying high-frequency sound waves (490 kHz) in aqueous solutions, the transformation of small chemotherapeutic and antibiotic drug molecules into carrier-free nanodrugs with anticancer and antimicrobial activities was recently achieved. The transformation of the antibiotic drug molecules, i.e., doxycycline, into stable nanodrugs (~130 nm) with selective anticancer activity was achieved without requiring organic solvents, chemical agents, or surfactants. The obtained nanodrug exhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cytotoxicity on human breast cancer (MDA-MB 231 cells) but a negligible antiproliferative effect on healthy fibroblast cells. Imaging by super-resolution microscopy (STORM) provided insights into the intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape of the nanodrugs. Overall, these findings suggest that small antibiotic drugs can be transformed into chemotherapeutic nanodrugs with high selectivity against cancer cells.

Data-Driven Prediction of Janus/Core-Shell Morphology in Polymer Particles: A Machine-Learning Approach

The majority of research on Janus particles prepared by solvent evaporation-induced phase separation technique uses models based on interfacial tension or free energy to predict Janus/core-shell morphology. Data-driven predictions, in contrast, utilize multiple samples to identify patterns and outliers. Using machine-learning algorithms and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) analysis, we developed a model based on a 200-instance data set to predict particle morphology. As model features, simplified molecular input line entry system syntax identifies explanatory variables, including cohesive energy density, molar volume, the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter of polymers, and the solvent solubility parameter. Our most accurate ensemble classifiers predict morphology with an accuracy of 90%. In addition, we employ innovative XAI tools to interpret system behavior, suggesting phase-separated morphology to be most affected by solvent solubility, polymer cohesive energy difference, and blend composition. While polymers with cohesive energy densities above a certain threshold favor the core-shell structure, systems with weak intermolecular interactions favor the Janus structure. The correlation between molar volume and morphology suggests that increasing the size of polymer repeating units favors Janus particles. Additionally, the Janus structure is preferred when the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter exceeds 0.4. XAI analysis introduces feature values that generate the thermodynamically low driving force of phase separation, resulting in kinetically stable morphologies as opposed to thermodynamically stable ones. The Shapley plots of this study also reveal novel methods for creating Janus or core-shell particles based on solvent evaporation-induced phase separation by selecting feature values that strongly favor a given morphology.

Microparticles in the Development and Improvement of Pharmaceutical Formulations: An Analysis of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Microparticulate systems such as microparticles, microspheres, microcapsules or any particle in a micrometer scale (usually of 1–1000 µm) are widely used as drug delivery systems, because they offer higher therapeutic and diagnostic performance compared to conventional drug delivery forms. These systems can be manufactured with many raw materials, especially polymers, most of which have been effective in improving the physicochemical properties and biological activities of active compounds. This review will focus on the in vivo and in vitro application in the last decade (2012 to 2022) of different active pharmaceutical ingredients microencapsulated in polymeric or lipid matrices, the main formulation factors (excipients and techniques) and mostly their biological activities, with the aim of introducing and discussing the potential applicability of microparticulate systems in the pharmaceutical field.

Bilayer fixed-dose combination tablet for curcumin microparticles and piroxicam and in vitro evaluation

Aim: In the present work, fixed-dose combination of bilayer tablets for piroxicam as and curcumin as immediate-release and sustained-release layer (SRL) respectively for management of inflammatory response. Materials & methods: The SRL include Curcumin polycaprolactone microparticles from spray drying. The tablet layers include Pearlitol 200SD, Microcrystalline cellulose PH101, Aerosil 200, talc each layer. Results: SEM studies confirm spherical microparticles. PXRD and DSC studies confirm the amorphous microparticles. In vitro studies exhibit, an immediate release and sustained release for Piroxicam and Curcumin after 2 h. Cellular uptake studies on RAW 264.7 cells confirm the complete internalization of microparticles. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that microparticles can be formulated into a unit dosage form for the management of inflammation.

Preparation and Characteristics of Alginate Microparticles for Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications

Alginates are the most widely used natural polymers in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Usually, they are applied as a thickening, gel-forming and stabilizing agent. Moreover, the alginate-based formulations such as matrices, membranes, nanospheres or microcapsules are often used as delivery systems. Alginate microparticles (AMP) are biocompatible, biodegradable and nontoxic carriers, applied to encapsulate hydrophilic active substances, including probiotics. Here, we report the methods most frequently used for AMP production and encapsulation of different actives. The technological parameters important in the process of AMP preparation, such as alginate concentration, the type and concentration of other reagents (cross-linking agents, oils, emulsifiers and pH regulators), agitation speed or cross-linking time, are reviewed. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of alginate microparticles as delivery systems are discussed, and an overview of the active ingredients enclosed in the alginate carriers are presented.

Microspheres from light-a sustainable materials platform

Driven by the demand for highly specialized polymeric materials via milder, safer, and sustainable processes, we herein introduce a powerful, purely light driven platform for microsphere synthesis – including facile synthesis by sunlight. Our light-induced step-growth precipitation polymerization produces monodisperse particles (0.4–2.4 μm) at ambient temperature without any initiator, surfactant, additive or heating, constituting an unconventional approach compared to the classically thermally driven synthesis of particles. The microspheres are formed via the Diels-Alder cycloaddition of a photoactive monomer (2-methylisophthaldialdehyde, MIA) and a suitable electron deficient dienophile (bismaleimide). The particles are stable in the dry state as well as in solution and their surface can be further functionalized to produce fluorescent particles or alter their hydrophilicity. The simplicity and versatility of our approach introduces a fresh opportunity for particle synthesis, opening access to a yet unknown material class.

Photopolymerization provides a safe and mild fabrication pathway towards polymeric particles but the implementation of photochemistry from solution to dispersed media to produce particles is far from trivial. Here, the authors demonstrate an additive-free step-growth photopolymerization with sunlight, exploiting the photoinduced Diels-Alder to fabricate micrometer sized polymeric particles.

Sonosynthesis of nanobiotics with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Transforming small-molecule antibiotics into carrier-free nanoantibiotics represents an opportunity for developing new multifunctional therapeutic agents. In this study, we demonstrate that acoustic cavitation produced by high-frequency ultrasound transforms the antibiotic doxycycline into carrier-free nanobiotics. Upon sonication for 1 h at 10-15 W cm^-3, doxycycline molecules underwent hydroxylation and dimerization processes to ultimately self-assemble into nanoparticles of ∼100-200 nm in size. Micrometer sized particles can be also obtained by increasing the acoustic power to 20 W cm^-3. The nanodrugs exhibited antioxidant properties, along with antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacterial strains. Our results highlight the feasibility of the ultrasound-based approach for engineering drug molecules into a nanosized formulation with controlled and multiple bio-functionalities.

Recent Fabrication Methods to Produce Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Matrices (Experimental and In Silico Approaches)

The study of novel drug delivery systems represents one of the frontiers of the biomedical research area. Multi-disciplinary scientific approaches combining traditional or engineered technologies are used to provide major advances in improving drug bioavailability, rate of release, cell/tissue specificity and therapeutic index. Biodegradable and bio-absorbable polymers are usually the building blocks of these systems, and their copolymers are employed to create delivery components. For example, poly (lactic acid) or poly (glycolic acid) are often used as bricks for the production drug-based delivery systems as polymeric microparticles (MPs) or micron-scale needles. To avoid time-consuming empirical approaches for the optimization of these formulations, in silico-supported models have been developed. These methods can predict and tune the release of different drugs starting from designed combinations. Starting from these considerations, this review has the aim of investigating recent approaches to the production of polymeric carriers and the combination of in silico and experimental methods as promising platforms in the biomedical field.

Biodegradable Microparticles for Regenerative Medicine: A State of the Art and Trends to Clinical Application

Tissue engineering and cell therapy are very attractive in terms of potential applications but remain quite challenging regarding the clinical aspects. Amongst the different strategies proposed to facilitate their implementation in clinical practices, biodegradable microparticles have shown promising outcomes with several advantages and potentialities. This critical review aims to establish a survey of the most relevant materials and processing techniques to prepare these micro vehicles. Special attention will be paid to their main potential applications, considering the regulatory constraints and the relative easiness to implement their production at an industrial level to better evaluate their application in clinical practices.

Polymeric Coating of Silica Microspheres for Biological Applications: Suppression of Non-Specific Binding and Functionalization with Biomolecules

The use of micro- and nanoparticles in biological applications has dramatically grown during the last few decades due to the ease of protocols development and compatibility with microfluidics devices. Particles can be composed by different materials, i.e., polymers, inorganic dielectrics, and metals. Among them, silica is a suitable material for the development of biosensing applications. Depending on their final application, the surface properties of particles, including silica, are tailored by means of chemical modification or polymeric coating. The latter strategy represents a powerful tool to create a hydrophilic environment that enables the functionalization of particles with biomolecules and the further interaction with analytes. Here, the use of MCP-6, a dimethylacrylamide (DMA)-based ter-copolymer, to coat silica microspheres is presented. MCP-6 offers unprecedented ease of coating, imparting silica particles a hydrophilic coating with antifouling properties that is able to provide high-density immobilization of biological probes.

Polysaccharides in Agro-Industrial Biomass Residues

The large-scale industrial use of polysaccharides to obtain energy is one of the most discussed subjects in science. However, modern concepts of biorefinery have promoted the diversification of the use of these polymers in several bioproducts incorporating concepts of sustainability and the circular economy. This work summarizes the major sources of agro-industrial residues, physico-chemical properties, and recent application trends of cellulose, chitin, hyaluronic acid, inulin, and pectin. These macromolecules were selected due to their industrial importance and valuable functional and biological applications that have aroused market interests, such as for the production of medicines, cosmetics, and sustainable packaging. Estimations of global industrial residue production based on major crop data from the United States Department of Agriculture were performed for cellulose content from maize, rice, and wheat, showing that these residues may contain up to 18%, 44%, and 35% of cellulose and 45%, 22%, and 22% of hemicellulose, respectively. The United States (~32%), China (~20%), and the European Union (~18%) are the main countries producing cellulose and hemicellulose-rich residues from maize, rice, and wheat crops, respectively. Pectin and inulin are commonly obtained from fruit (~30%) and vegetable (~28%) residues, while chitin and hyaluronic acid are primarily found in animal waste, e.g., seafood (~3%) and poultry (~4%).

Electrostatic loading and photoredox-based release of molecular cargo from oligoviologen-crosslinked microparticles

Although on-demand cargo release has been demonstrated in a wide range of microparticle platforms, many existing methods lack specific loading interactions and/or undergo permanent damage to the microparticle to release...

Droplet microfluidic devices for organized stem cell differentiation into germ cells: capabilities and challenges

Demystifying the mechanisms that underlie germline development and gamete production is critical for expanding advanced therapies for infertile couples who cannot benefit from current infertility treatments. However, the low number of germ cells, particularly in the early stages of development, represents a serious challenge in obtaining sufficient materials required for research purposes. In this regard, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have provided an opportunity for producing an unlimited source of germ cells in vitro. Achieving this ambition is highly dependent on accurate stem cell niche reconstitution which is achievable through applying advanced cell engineering approaches. Recently, hydrogel microparticles (HMPs), as either microcarriers or microcapsules, have shown promising potential in providing an excellent 3-dimensional (3D) biomimetic microenvironment alongside the systematic bioactive agent delivery. In this review, recent studies of utilizing various HMP-based cell engineering strategies for appropriate niche reconstitution and efficient in vitro differentiation are highlighted with a special focus on the capabilities of droplet-based microfluidic (DBM) technology. We believe that a deep understanding of the current limitations and potentials of the DBM systems in integration with stem cell biology provides a bright future for germ cell research.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12551-021-00907-5.

Spherical Cellulose Micro and Nanoparticles: A Review of Recent Developments and Applications

Cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer, is a versatile polysaccharide that is being exploited to manufacture innovative blends, composites, and hybrid materials in the form of membranes, films, coatings, hydrogels, and foams, as well as particles at the micro and nano scales. The application fields of cellulose micro and nanoparticles run the gamut from medicine, biology, and environment to electronics and energy. In fact, the number of studies dealing with sphere-shaped micro and nanoparticles based exclusively on cellulose (or its derivatives) or cellulose in combination with other molecules and macromolecules has been steadily increasing in the last five years. Hence, there is a clear need for an up-to-date narrative that gathers the latest advances on this research topic. So, the aim of this review is to portray some of the most recent and relevant developments on the use of cellulose to produce spherical micro- and nano-sized particles. An attempt was made to illustrate the present state of affairs in terms of the go-to strategies (e.g., emulsification processes, nanoprecipitation, microfluidics, and other assembly approaches) for the generation of sphere-shaped particles of cellulose and derivatives thereof. A concise description of the application fields of these cellulose-based spherical micro and nanoparticles is also presented.

Health care-associated infections: Controlled delivery of cationic antiseptics from polymeric excipients

Nowadays, the treatment of health care-associated infections represents a serious issue, due to the increasing number of bacterial strains resistant to traditional antibiotics. The use of antiseptics like quaternary ammonium salts and biguanides is a viable alternative to face these life-threatening infections. However, their inherent toxicity as well as the necessity of providing a sustained release to avoid the formation of pathogen biofilms are compelling obstacles towards their assessment in the hospitals. Within this framework, the role of polymeric drug delivery systems is fundamental to overcome the aforementioned problems. Biocompatibility, biodegradability and excipient-drug interactions are crucial properties determining the efficacy of the formulation. In this work, we provide an in-depth analysis of the polymer drug delivery systems that have been developed or are under development for the sustained release of positively charged antiseptics, highlighting the crucial characteristics that allowed to achieve the most relevant therapeutic effects. We reported and compared natural occurring polymers and synthetic carriers to show their pros and cons and applicability in the treatment of health care-associated infections. Then, the discussion is focused on a particularly relevant class of materials adopted for the scope, represented by polyesters, which gave rise, due to their biodegradability, to the field of resorbable drug delivery devices. Finally, a specific analysis on the effect of the polymer functionalization over the formulation performances for the different types of polymeric carriers is presented.

Photoclick Chemistry: A Bright Idea

At its basic conceptualization, photoclick chemistry embodies a collection of click reactions that are performed via the application of light. The emergence of this concept has had diverse impact over a broad range of chemical and biological research due to the spatiotemporal control, high selectivity, and excellent product yields afforded by the combination of light and click chemistry. While the reactions designated as "photoclick" have many important features in common, each has its own particular combination of advantages and shortcomings. A more extensive realization of the potential of this chemistry requires a broader understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of the specific reactions. This review discusses the features of the most frequently employed photoclick reactions reported in the literature: photomediated azide-alkyne cycloadditions, other 1,3-dipolarcycloadditions, Diels-Alder and inverse electron demand Diels-Alder additions, radical alternating addition chain transfer additions, and nucleophilic additions. Applications of these reactions in a variety of chemical syntheses, materials chemistry, and biological contexts are surveyed, with particular attention paid to the respective strengths and limitations of each reaction and how that reaction benefits from its combination with light. Finally, challenges to broader employment of these reactions are discussed, along with strategies and opportunities to mitigate such obstacles.

Insight into the structural, chemical and surface properties of proteins for the efficient ultrasound assisted co-encapsulation and delivery of micronutrients

Three different proteinaceous biopolymers, namely, egg white protein (EWP), soy protein isolate (SPI) and corn protein isolate (CPI) were used as protective shell materials to encapsulate micronutrients via an ultrasonic encapsulation technique. It was found that the physicochemical properties of the three protein-based matrices, including surface/total thiol (-SH) content, surface activity and denaturation temperature were the key factors that influenced the shell formation and stability. The EWP and CPI-shelled microcapsules reduced the degradation of the encapsulated vitamins by 20% and 40% after exposure to heating and UV-light irradiation. A double emulsion technique was further developed to co-encapsulate both oil- (vitamin A and D) and water-soluble (vitamin B, C and minerals) micronutrients. In-vitro digestion study showed that the proteinaceous microcapsules enable a sustained release of micronutrients, demonstrating their potential for food fortification applications.

Polymeric-based drug delivery systems for veterinary use: State of the art

One of the challenges to the success of veterinary pharmacotherapy is the limited number of drugs and dosage forms available exclusively to this market, due to the interspecies variability of animals, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. For this reason, studies in this area have become a highlight, since they are still scarce in comparison with those on human drug use. To overcome many limitations related to the bioavailability, efficacy, and safety of pharmacotherapy in animals, especially livestock and domestic animals, polymers-based drug delivery systems are promising tools if they guarantee greater selectivity and less toxicity in dosage forms. In addition, these tools may be developed according to the great interspecies variability. To contribute to these discussions, this paper provides an updated review of the major polymer-based drug delivery systems projected for veterinary use. Traditional and innovative drug delivery systems based on polymers are presented, with an emphasis on films, microparticles, micelles, nanogels, nanoparticles, tablets, implants and hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. We discuss important concepts for the veterinarian about the mechanisms of drug release and, for the pharmacist, the advantages in the development of pharmaceutical forms for the animal population. Finally, challenges and opportunities are presented in the field of pharmaceutical dosage forms for veterinary use in response to the interests of the pharmaceutical industry.

Polyphenols: A Promising Avenue in Therapeutic Solutions for Wound Care

In chronic wounds, the regeneration process is compromised, which brings complexity to the therapeutic approaches that need to be adopted, while representing an enormous loss in the patients’ quality of life with consequent economical costs. Chronic wounds are highly prone to infection, which can ultimately lead to septicemia and morbidity. Classic therapies are increasing antibiotic resistance, which is becoming a critical problem beyond complex wounds. Therefore, it is essential to study new antimicrobial polymeric systems and compounds that can be effective alternatives to reduce infection, even at lower concentrations. The biological potential of polyphenols allows them to be an efficient alternative to commercial antibiotics, responding to the need to find new options for chronic wound care. Nonetheless, phenolic compounds may have some drawbacks when targeting wound applications, such as low stability and consequent decreased biological performance at the wound site. To overcome these limitations, polymeric-based systems have been developed as carriers of polyphenols for wound healing, improving its stability, controlling the release kinetics, and therefore increasing the performance and effectiveness. This review aims to highlight possible smart and bio-based wound dressings, providing an overview of the biological potential of polyphenolic agents as natural antimicrobial agents and strategies to stabilize and deliver them in the treatment of complex wounds. Polymer-based particulate systems are highlighted here due to their impact as carriers to increase polyphenols bioavailability at the wound site in different types of formulations.

The role of polysaccharides from natural resources to design oral insulin micro- and nanoparticles intended for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus: A review

Oral administration of insulin (INS) would represent a revolution in the treatment of diabetes, considering that this route mimics the physiological dynamics of endogenous INS. Nano- and microencapsulation exploiting the advantageous polysaccharides properties has been considered an important technological strategy to protect INS against harsh conditions of gastrointestinal tract, in the same time that improve the permeability via transcellular and/or paracellular pathways, safety and in some cases even selectivity for targeting delivery of INS. In fact, some polysaccharides also give to the systems functional properties such as pH-responsiveness, mucoadhesiveness under specific physiological conditions and increased intestinal permeability. In general, all polysaccharides can be functionalized with specific molecules becoming more selective to the cells to which INS is delivered. The present review highlights the advances in the past 10 years on micro- and nanoencapsulation of INS exploiting the unique natural properties of polysaccharides, including chitosan, starch, alginate, pectin, and dextran, among others.

Formulation and development of metformin-loaded microspheres using Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) gum as co-polymer

Background

Khaya gum is a bark exudate from Khaya senegalensis (Maliaecae) that has drug carrier potential. This study aimed to formulate and comparatively evaluate metformin-loaded microspheres using blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate. Khaya gum was extracted and subjected to preformulation studies using established protocols while three formulations (FA; FB and FC) of metformin (1% w/v)-loaded microspheres were prepared by the ionic gelation method using 5% zinc chloride solution as the cross-linker. The formulations contained 2% w/v blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate in the ratios of 2:3, 9:11, and 1:1, respectively. The microspheres were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, entrapment efficiency, swelling index, and in vitro release studies.

Results

Yield of 28.48%, pH of 4.00 ± 0.05, moisture content (14.59% ± 0.50), and fair flow properties (Carr’s index 23.68 ± 1.91 and Hausner’s ratio 1.31 ± 0.03) of the khaya gum were obtained. FTIR analyses showed no significant interaction between pure metformin hydrochloride with excipients. Discrete spherical microspheres with sizes ranging from 1200 to 1420 μm were obtained. Drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres ranged from 65.6 to 81.5%. The release of the drug from microspheres was sustained for the 9 h of the study as the cumulative release was 62% (FA), 73% (FB), and 80% (FC). The release kinetics followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model with super case-II transport mechanism.

Conclusion

Blends of Khaya senegalensis gum and sodium alginate are promising polymer combination for the preparation of controlled-release formulations. The blend of the khaya gum and sodium alginate produced microspheres with controlled release properties. However, the formulation containing 2:3 ratio of khaya gum and sodium alginate respectively produced microspheres with comparable controlled release profiles to the commercial brand metformin tablet.

Interior of Amylopectin and Nano-Sized Amylopectin Fragments Probed by Viscometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Pyrene Excimer Fluorescence

Nano-sized amylopectin fragments (NAFs), prepared by extrusion of waxy corn starch, were investigated by viscometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and pyrene excimer fluorescence (PEF). NAF57, with a hydrodynamic diameter of 57 nm, was treated with nitric acid to yield three degraded NAFs, which appeared to share the same interior and structural features as amylopectin based on their measured intrinsic viscosity and hydrodynamic diameter. This conclusion was further supported by comparing the efficiency of forming excimer between an excited and a ground-state pyrenyl label covalently attached to the NAFs (Py-NAFs) using their I_E/I_M ratio of the fluorescence intensity of the excimer (I_E) to that of the monomer (I_M). The overlapping trends obtained for all Py-NAFs and the pyrene-labeled amylopectin samples by plotting the I_E/I_M ratio as a function of pyrene content provided further evidence that the interior of NAFs and amylopectin shared the same structural features and contained a similar amount of free volume as predicted by the Solution-Cluster (Sol-CL) model. The presence of free volume was validated by adding linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains that could not penetrate the interior of Py-NAFs, thus subjecting the Py-NAFs to increased osmotic pressure, which induced their compression and resulted in an increase in I_E/I_M.

Solid Polymeric Nanoparticles of Albendazole: Synthesis, Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with documented antitumor activity and low toxicity to healthy cells. The major disadvantage in terms of clinical use is its low aqueous solubility which limits its bioavailability. Albendazole was incorporated into stable and homogeneous polyurethane structures with the aim of obtaining an improved drug delivery system model. Spectral and thermal analysis was used to investigate the encapsulation process and confirmed the presence of albendazole inside the nanoparticles. The in vitro anticancer properties of albendazole encapsulated in polyurethane structures versus the un-encapsulated compound were tested on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, in terms of cellular viability and apoptosis induction. The study showed that the encapsulation process enhanced the antitumor activity of albendazole on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 breast cancer lines. The cytotoxic activity manifested in a concentration-dependent manner and was accompanied by changes in cell morphology and nuclear fragmentation.

Alginate-, Carboxymethyl Cellulose-, and κ-Carrageenan-Based Microparticles as Storage Vehicles for Cranberry Extract

This study discusses the relationship between the structural properties of the selected polysaccharides (low (ALGLV) and medium viscosity (ALGMV) sodium alginate, 90 kDa (CMC90) and 250 kDa (CMC250) carboxymethyl cellulose, and κ-carrageenan (CARκ)) and their abilities to serve as protective materials of encapsulated large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit extract (CE) from losing its health beneficial activities during long-term storage. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their encapsulation efficiency (UV-Vis and FTIR), morphology (SEM) and the physical stability in various environments (gravimetry). The microparticles' size and encapsulation efficiency were 46-50 µm and 28-58%, respectively, and the microparticles were physically stable. CMC90 and ALGMV most efficiently protected the plant extract from losing its biological activity after 18 months, while the plant extract stored outside the particles had lost its activity. CE was intended for oral administration, thus CE release from the microparticles was monitored in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. In vitro gastrointestinal release studies revealed that the ALGMV-, CMC90-, and CMC250-based particles exhibited the desired intestinal release pattern. This result supports the suitability of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for the safe delivery of CE to the intestines while maintaining its biological properties and improving long-term storage stability.

Biocompatibility of Biomaterials for Nanoencapsulation: Current Approaches

Nanoencapsulation is an approach to circumvent shortcomings such as reduced bioavailability, undesirable side effects, frequent dosing and unpleasant organoleptic properties of conventional drug delivery systems. The process of nanoencapsulation involves the use of biomaterials such as surfactants and/or polymers, often in combination with charge inducers and/or ligands for targeting. The biomaterials selected for nanoencapsulation processes must be as biocompatible as possible. The type(s) of biomaterials used for different nanoencapsulation approaches are highlighted and their use and applicability with regard to haemo- and, histocompatibility, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenesis are discussed.

Polymeric Carriers for Delivery Systems in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms and characterized by disruption of the tooth-supporting structures. Conventional drug administration pathways in periodontal disease treatment have many drawbacks such as poor biodistribution, low selectivity of the therapeutic effect, burst release of the drug, and damage to healthy cells. To overcome this limitation, controlled drug delivery systems have been developed as a potential method to address oral infectious disease ailments. The use of drug delivery devices proves to be an excellent auxiliary method in improving the quality and effectiveness in periodontitis treatment, which includes inaccessible periodontal pockets. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding the applications of various polymer-based delivery systems such as hydrogels, liposomes, micro-, and nanoparticles in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. Furthermore, to present a more comprehensive understanding of the difficulties concerning the treatment of PD, a brief description of the mechanism and development of the disease is outlined.

Biodegradable Cell Microcarriers Based on Chitosan/Polyester Graft-Copolymers

Self-stabilizing biodegradable microcarriers were produced via an oil/water solvent evaporation technique using amphiphilic chitosan-g-polyester copolymers as a core material in oil phase without the addition of any emulsifier in aqueous phase. The total yield of the copolymer-based microparticles reached up to 79 wt. %, which is comparable to a yield achievable using traditional emulsifiers. The kinetics of microparticle self-stabilization, monitored during their process, were correlated to the migration of hydrophilic copolymer's moieties to the oil/water interface. With a favorable surface/volume ratio and the presence of bioadhesive natural fragments anchored to their surface, the performance of these novel microcarriers has been highlighted by evaluating cell morphology and proliferation within a week of cell cultivation in vitro.

Optical-resonance-assisted generation of super monodisperse microdroplets and microbeads with nanometer precision

Droplets with predefined sizes have been controllably produced at the tip of a micro-capillary immersed in an external fluid while tracking the high Q-factor whispering gallery modes (WGM). The modes were fitted to a model to give precise real-time size measurement, which was used as a feedback to control the pressure in the capillary and the release of the droplet from the capillary when it reached the target size. In this way a dispersion of highly monodisperse droplets anywhere in the size range from 5 μm to 50 μm were produced. To fabricate solid beads, the droplets were made from a liquid photopolymer and were later polymerized with UV light. The polymerized beads showed long term stability. The diameter of the generated oil droplets and polymerized microbeads could be reproduced with a standard deviation of 1.1 nm and 20 nm, respectively. Overall, the demonstrated method improves the size precision by three and two orders of magnitude for microdroplets and microbeads, respectively, compared to standard production methods such as reported in microfluidics. Encoding of short words and numbers has been demonstrated by producing three beads with predefined sizes. The stored information has been read from the emitted spectrum.